Abstract: A system and method for molding a fiber reinforced composite part are disclosed. The system includes a mold with electrical contacts that make electrical contact with at least one monitoring circuit incorporated in a fiber preform disposed in the mold so that the resistance of the monitoring circuit can be monitored as resin fills the mold cavity and envelopes the preform. The method includes monitoring the resistance of at least one monitoring circuit incorporated into a fiber preform disposed in a mold to determine the location of the resin flow front as resin is injected into the mold and surrounds the fiber preform.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite panel comprising stitching a plurality of first continuous reinforcing fibers in N first zones and M second zones of a backing substrate of a preform. The N first zones are arranged near C corners of the composite panel, where C is an integer. The plurality of first continuous reinforcing fibers in the N first zones is arranged radially relative to the C corners. At least one of a fiber density of the plurality of first continuous reinforcing fibers in the N first zones that is less than a fiber density of the plurality of first continuous reinforcing fibers in the M second zones, and a stitch density of the plurality of first continuous reinforcing fibers in the N first zones that is less than a stitch density of the plurality of first continuous reinforcing fibers in the M second zones.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite panel comprising stitching a plurality of first continuous reinforcing fibers in N first zones and M second zones of a backing substrate of a preform. The N first zones are arranged near C corners of the composite panel, where C is an integer. The plurality of first continuous reinforcing fibers in the N first zones is arranged radially relative to the C corners. At least one of a fiber density of the plurality of first continuous reinforcing fibers in the N first zones that is less than a fiber density of the plurality of first continuous reinforcing fibers in the M second zones, and a stitch density of the plurality of first continuous reinforcing fibers in the N first zones that is less than a stitch density of the plurality of first continuous reinforcing fibers in the M second zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for measuring property changes via in-situ micro-viscometry and methods of using same. The aforementioned device is inexpensive and can be used to quickly and accurately measure numerous physical and chemical property changes, including but not limited to the rate of chemical cure, change in tack, and rate of mass loss, for example, rate of moisture, solvent and/or plasticizer change.

Abstract: A form for a vehicle component is provided that includes a commingled fiber bundle composed of a reinforcement fiber. The commingled fiber bundle is laid out in a two-dimensional base layer that defines a shape of the form. A conductive fiber or wire laid in a pattern on the two-dimensional base layer to provide electrical continuity across the form. At least one conductive contact or pad area is built up with overlying layers of the conductive fiber or wire on said two-dimensional base layer. A successive layer is added to embed the conductive fiber or wire and at least one conductive contact or pad area. A conductive fastener is inserted into through hole apertures therein. The conductive fastener is in electrical communication with the corresponding conductive contact or pad area. A method of forming a unitary reinforced composite component is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for measuring property changes via in-situ micro-viscometry and methods of using same. The aforementioned device is inexpensive and can be used to quickly and accurately measure numerous physical and chemical property changes, including but not limited to the rate of chemical cure, change in tack, and rate of mass loss, for example, rate of moisture, solvent and/or plasticizer change.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for measuring property changes via in-situ micro-viscometry and methods of using same. The aforementioned device is inexpensive and can be used to quickly and accurately measure numerous physical and chemical property changes, including but not limited to the rate of chemical cure, change in tack, and rate of mass loss, for example, rate of moisture, solvent and/or plasticizer change.